Hercules and Lichas

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Due to his unparalleled international success, Antonio Canova received numerous commissions. He no longer relied on monumental funerary works for large-scale projects, instead focusing on the pinnacle of sculptural achievement - the freestanding classical figure. These iconic creations often reimagined revered classical statues. Such was the fervor surrounding these masterpieces that Canova's reputation surpassed even the ancient Greeks. His majestic Hercules and Lichas stands out as a prime example, consistently preferred to the renowned Farnese Hercules. In fact, this work boasts a more defined profile, aligning with the "primitive" aesthetic of 1790s art. In Greek mythology, Lychas was Heracles' loyal attendant, entrusted with the poisoned shirt from Deianira for Hercules due to Deianira's jealous rivalry with Iole, ultimately leading to his demise.